Portable burp cloth pouch

ABSTRACT

The portable burp cloth pouch comprises first and second panels, and a neck band. Each panel is elongated rectangular in shape with two long sides and two short sides. The first end of the neck band is fixedly connected to one of long sides of the first panel. The portable burp cloth further comprises a pair of mated connectors to removably connect the second end of the neck band to one of the long sides of the second panel to form a burp cloth, and a pocket on the back side of at least one of the panels for storing the first and second panels of the burp cloth to convert the burp cloth into a portable burp cloth pouch. Preferably, each side of the panel is contoured.

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/522,179, filed on Aug. 10, 2011, which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The claimed invention relates to burp cloth, and more particularly to aburp cloth which converts into a portable burp cloth pouch.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Presently available burp cloths are typically a small towel or made ofone panel of material that drapes over only one shoulder, such as onedisclosed in U.S. Design Pat. No. D465,901. The typical burp cloth mustbe moved from one shoulder to another when burping an infant toaccommodate the movement of the infant. It is sometimes difficult tomove the burp cloth to the other shoulder before the infant, therebypotentially ruining the caregivers clothing. Also, the size of thenursing bib of U.S. Design Pat. No. D465,901 makes it difficult to movefrom shoulder to shoulder.

Two panel burp cloth as disclosed in U.S. Design Pat. Nos. D611,682 andD303,995, are two rectangular or square shaped cloths connected at onecorner. They cover the front part of the shoulder, but do not provideany or sufficient coverage of the back portion of the shoulder whereinfants typically spit up.

None of the available burp clothes can be wrapped or rolled into aportable or traveling pouch that can be easily tucked into a user'spocket, e.g., a jacket pocket, or tossed into a bag, e.g., a tote bag,hand bag, etc. This provides the added benefit of storing the stained ordirtied burp cloth conveniently without ruining other items in the bag.

Further none of the available burp cloths are adjustable to accommodatethe different torso widths and/or lengths of the different caregivers,such the father, mother, grandmothers, grandfathers, aunts, uncles,etc.) that will typically burp the same infant. Also, panels of the burpcloth are not detachable or interchangeable to change the color/style ofthe burp cloth or to change a dirtied panel with a clean panel.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, it is an object of the claimed invention to provide a burpcloth which can be rolled, folded or stuffed into a pouch or bag when itis not in use so it can be conveniently carried or stored. The pouch canbe unwrapped or rolled out to provide a two panel burp cloth.

It is another object of the claimed invention to provide the portableburp cloth pouch as aforesaid with detachable or interchangeable panels.In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, theburp cloth comprises two panels detachably connected to each other by aneck band. The user can adjust the size of the neck opening by attachingthe two panels closer to each other to provide a smaller neck opening orfurther apart to provide a larger neck opening. It is appreciated thatthe neck band can also be used to accommodate the different torso widthof the different caregivers.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, theportable burp cloth pouch comprises first and second panels, and a neckband. Each panel is elongated rectangular in shape with two long sidesand two short sides. The neck band has first and second ends toremovably connect the first and second panels. The first end of the neckband is fixedly connected to the one of long sides of the first panel.The portable burp cloth further comprises a pair of mated connectors toremovably connect the second end of the neck band to one of the longsides of the second panel to form a burp cloth, and a pocket on the backside of at least one of the panels for storing the first and secondpanels of the burp cloth to convert the burp cloth into a portable burpcloth pouch. Preferably, each side of the panel is contoured. That is,each panel of the burp cloth comprises contoured sides.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, theneck band of the aforesaid portable burp cloth pouch removably connectsto the portable burp cloth pouch to form a handle.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention,each panel of the aforesaid portable burp cloth pouch comprises a neckcut out at one of its long sides and the neck band connects to the longside of each panel with the neck cut out.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, thepair of mated connectors of the aforesaid portable burp cloth pouch isone of the following: snaps, fasteners, buttons, hooks, or hook and loopstrip.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, thepair of mated connectors of the aforesaid portable burp cloth pouch is ahook and loop strip to removably connect the second end of the neck bandto the second panel. One of the hook or loop strip is fixedly attachedto the second end of the neck band and other hook or loop strip isfixedly attached to the back side of the second panel. The other hook orloop strip on the back side of the second panel is longer than the hookor loop strip on the neck band to adjust size of a neck opening toaccommodate varying bodily dimensions of different users, therebyproviding the portable burp cloth pouch with an adjustable neck opening.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, thepair of mated connectors of the aforesaid portable burp cloth pouch is ahook and loop strip to removably connect the second end of the neck bandto the second panel. One of hook or loop strip is fixedly attached tothe second end of the neck band and other hook or loop strip is fixedlyattached to the back side of the second panel. The other hook or loopstrip on the back side of the second panel is longer than the hook orloop strip on the neck band to adjust size of a front portion of theburp cloth to accommodate varying bodily dimensions of different users,thereby providing the portable burp cloth pouch with adjustable panels.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention,each panel of the aforesaid portable burp cloth pouch comprisesmulti-layers with at least one layer of sturdy leak proof material.Preferably, each panel of the burp cloth comprises a first layer offabric and a second layer of polyurethane laminate.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention,each panel of the aforesaid portable burp cloth pouch is a colored panelor contains logos, patterns or designs.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, thepocket of the aforesaid portable burp cloth pouch can be used to storeone or more items, such as a pacifier.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, theportable burp cloth pouch comprises first and second panels, and a neckband. Each panel is elongated rectangular in shape with two long sidesand two short sides. The neck band has first and second ends toremovably connect the first and second panels. The portable burp clothpouch further comprises first and second pairs of mated connectors. Thefirst pair of mated connectors to removably connect the first end of theneck band to one of the long sides of the first panel. The second pairof mated connectors to removably connect a second end of the neck bandto one of the long sides of the second panel to form a burp cloth. Apocket on the back side of one of the panels stores the first and secondpanels of the burp cloth to convert the burp cloth into a portable burpcloth pouch. Preferably, each side of the panel is contoured. That is,each panel of the burp cloth comprises contoured sides.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, theaforesaid neck band comprises a plurality of mated connectors at thefirst end. The size of the neck opening can be adjusted to accommodatevarying bodily dimensions of different users. The connector on the firstpanel can be mated to a connector on the first end of the neck bandcloser to a middle of the neck band to shorten the neck opening or to aconnector on the first end of the neck band farther from the middle ofthe neck band to widen the neck opening, thereby providing the portableburp cloth pouch with an adjustable neck opening.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, theaforesaid neck band comprises a plurality of mated connectors at thesecond end. The size of the neck opening can be by mating the connectoron the second panel to a connector on the second end of the neck bandcloser to the middle of the neck band to shorten the neck opening or toa connector on the second end of the neck band farther from the middleof the neck band to widen the neck opening, thereby providing theportable burp cloth pouch with the adjustable neck opening.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention,each panel of the aforesaid portable burp cloth pouch comprises aplurality of mated connectors. The size of the front portion of the burpcloth can be adjusted to accommodate varying bodily dimensions ofdifferent users. The connectors on the first and second ends of the neckband can be respectively mated to connectors on the first and secondpanels closer to the front end of the panels to decrease the front endportion of the burp cloth, or respectively mated to connectors on thefirst and second panels closer to the back end of the panels to increasethe front end portion of the burp cloth, thereby providing the portableburp cloth pouch with adjustable panels.

Various other objects, advantages and features of the claimed inventionwill become readily apparent from the ensuing detailed description, andthe novel features will be particularly pointed out in the appendedclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other advantages of the claimed invention will be described indetail with reference to the following drawings in which like referencenumbers refer to like elements:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the portable burp cloth pouch in a closedor stored position in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of theclaimed invention;

FIG. 2 is a back perspective view of the open or rolled out portableburp cloth pouch with two interchangeable panels and a neck band inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention;

FIG. 3A is a cut-out view of the interchangeable panel comprising threelayers in accordance with exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention;

FIG. 3B is a cut-out view of the interchangeable panel comprising twolayers in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimedinvention;

FIG. 3C is a cut-out view of the interchangeable panel comprising fivelayers in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimedinvention;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the opened or rolled out portableburp cloth pouch in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of theclaimed invention;

FIG. 5 is front perspective view of the portable burp cloth pouch in anopen or rolled out position as worn by a user in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the claimed invention;

FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of the opened or rolled out portableburp cloth pouch as worn by a user in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the claimed invention as worn by a user; and

FIG. 7 is a back perspective view of the opened or rolled out burp clothas worn by a user in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of theclaimed invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Turning now to FIGS. 2-6, there are illustrated the portable burp clothpouch 100 in the rolled out, open or use state in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the claimed invention. The burp cloth 100comprises two interchangeable panels 1000 and a neck band 2000 toremovably attach the two panels 1000. The shape of the twointerchangeable panels 1000 can be an elongated oblong or elongatedrectangle with two elongated or long sides, which can be contoured, andtwo short sides. In accordance with an exemplary aspect of the claimedinvention, as shown in FIG. 2, each interchangeable panel 1000 can be anelongated rectangle with contoured sides and a neck cut out 1100 on oneof the long sides, thereby allowing the burp cloth 100 to be laidnaturally on the caregiver naturally like a shirt.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, theportable burp cloth 100 is made of sturdy material. Preferably, theinterchangeable panels 1000 are constructed of multi-layers of material.As exemplary shown in FIG. 3A, the interchangeable panel 1000 can beconstructed of three layers of material: a first layer 1110 made offabric, a second layer 1120 made of vinyl or polyurethane laminate (or“PUL”) and a third layer 1130 made of fabric. The second layer 1120 issandwiched between the first and third layers 1110, 1130. The secondlayer 1120 of vinyl or PUL provides a leak proof protection to the userof the claimed burp cloth 100.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, asshown in FIG. 3B, the interchangeable panel 1000 can be constructed oftwo layers: the first layer 1110 made of fabric and the second layer1120 made of PUL, batting or vinyl. Preferably, the back side of thefirst layer 1110 can be lined with PUL to provide a leak proofinterchangeable panel 1000. Alternatively, the interchangeable panel1000 can be made one layer of sturdy leak proof material, such as PUL orvinyl.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, asshown in FIG. 3C, the interchangeable panel 1000 can be constructed offive layers: the first and third layers 1110, 1130 made of fabric;fourth and fifth layers 1140, 1150 made of batting; and second layer1120 made of PUL or vinyl. The second layer 1120 is sandwiched betweenthe fourth and fifth layers 1140, 1150. The second, fourth and fifthlayers 1120, 1140, 1150 is between the first and third layers 1110,1130.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, theedges of each panel 1000 can be sewn to provide added strength therebyminimizing any potential ripping of the seam.

Turning now to FIG. 1, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of theclaimed invention, there is illustrated a portable burp cloth pouch orbag 100 in a closed or non-use state. The interchangeable panels 1000can be rolled, folded or stuffed into a pocket 1600 on the back side ofone of the interchangeable panels 1000 to form a portable burp clothpouch or bag 100. That is, the pocket 1600 serves as a bag or pouch tostore the burp cloth 100 when not in use or to store dirtied burp cloth100 so that it does not ruin or dirty other items in the diaper bag. Itis appreciated that the pocket 1600 can be used store other items, suchas pacifier, when the portable burp cloth pouch is in use or in openstate. Preferably, the neck band 2000 attaches to the portable burpcloth pouch 100 to create a handle. For example, in the three or fivelayer version of the interchangeable panel 1000, the pocket 1600 will beon the third layer 1130, and in the two-layer version of theinterchangeable panel 1000, the pocket 1600 will be on the second layer1120. In accordance with an exemplary aspect of the claimed invention,the pocket 1600 can be made of the same material as the first layer1110. It is appreciated that the portable burp cloth pouch 100 in thenon-use state can be used as a small pillow.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, oneend 2100 of the neck band 2000 removably connects one of the long orelongated side 1200 of the first interchangeable panel 1000 and theother end 2100 of the neck band 2000 removably connects to one of thelong or elongated side 1200 of the second interchangeable panel 1000.The assembled burp cloth 100 can be worn by the user as shown in FIGS.5-7. The user can adjust the size of the front portion 1300 or the sizeof the neck band 2000 to provide a comfortable fit. In accordance withan exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, as shown in FIGS. 2and 4, the mated connectors 3000 removably connect the neck band 2000 tothe interchangeable panels 1000. At each end 2100 of the neck band 2000,in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the claimed invention, asshown in FIG. 4, there are multiple connectors thereby enabling the userto adjust the length of the neck band 2000 or the size of the neckopening. Although, only two connectors 3000 are shown in FIG. 4, it isappreciated that any number of connectors 3000 can be provided at eachneck end 2100. For example, the inner connectors 3000 of the neck band2000 can be mated with the connectors 3000 on the interchangeable panels1000 to shorten the neck band 2000 or the outer connectors 3000 of theneck band 2000 can be mated with the connectors 3000 on theinterchangeable panels 1000 to increase the length of the neck band2000.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, theconnectors 3000 of the neck band 2000 and the interchangeable panels1000 can be snaps, buttons, hooks, Velcro® strips (preferably a Velcro®hook and loop pad/strip 3000), connectors and the like.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, asshown in FIG. 2, one end 2100 of the neck band 2000 can be fixedly ornon-removably attached to one of the interchangeable panels 1000,preferably to the long side with the neck cut out 1100. That is, forexample, one end 2100 of the neck band 2000 can be stitched to the longside of one of the interchangeable panels 1000. The other end 2100 ofthe neck 2000 band comprises a Velcro® hook and loop strip/pad 3000which mates with the Velcro® hook and loop strip/pad 3000 on the secondinterchangeable panel 1000 to form the claimed burp cloth 100 withinterchangeable panels 1000. It is appreciated that the hook and loopstrip/pad 3000 on the second interchangeable panel 1000 is longer thanthe one on the neck band 2000 to allow the user to adjust the size ofthe neck opening. Alternatively, the hook and loop strip/pad on the neckband 2000 is longer than the one on the second interchangeable panel toallow the user to adjust the size of the neck opening.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, asshown in FIG. 4, a plurality of connectors 3000 can be provided alongthe edge of one of the long side 1200 of each interchangeable panel 1000to mate with the connectors 3000 of the neck band 2000. The length ofthe front portion 1300 of the interchangeable panels 1000 draping overthe user's front shoulder can be adjusted to accommodate the torsolength of the user by mating the connector 3000 of the neck band 2000with a different connector 3000 of the interchangeable panel 1000. Forexample, the front portion 1300 of the interchangeable panel 1000 can bedecreased by mating the connector 3000 of the neck band 2000 with aconnector 3000 that is closer to the front end 1400 of theinterchangeable panel 1000. That is, the front portion 1300 can bedecreased slightly by mating the connector 3000 of the neck band 2000with the next connector 3000 towards the front end 1400 or with theconnector 3000 closest to the front end 1400 to minimize the size of thefront portion 1300. Similarly, the front portion 1300 can be increasedby mating the connector 3000 of the neck band 2000 with a connector 3000that is closer to the back end 1500 of the interchangeable panel 1000.That is, the front portion 1300 can be increased slightly by mating theconnector 3000 of the neck band 2000 with the next connector 3000towards the back end 1500 or with the connector 3000 closest to the backend 1500 to maximize the size of the front portion 1300. Thisadvantageously permits the claimed burp cloth 100 to accommodate varioustorso lengths of the users and/or to accommodate the users' preferencesin terms of their coverage preference (e.g., less front portion 1300 toprovide greater coverage for their back).

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, theinterchangeable panels 1000 are reversible such that when one or both ofthe interchangeable panels 1000 gets dirtied (specifically the firstlayer 1110 of the interchangeable panels 1000 used to burp the infant),the interchangeable panels 1000 can be reversed such that the secondlayer 1200 or the third layer 1130 (depending on the number of layersutilized in the claimed burp cloth 100) can be used to burp the infant.Alternatively, the dirtied panel 1000 can be replaced with a new orcleaned interchangeable panel 1000. It is appreciated that theinterchangeable panels 1000 can be replaced to change the look and styleof the burp cloth 100, such as to better match the user's outfit. It iscontemplated that the claimed interchangeable panels 1000 will beavailable in multiple colors, logos, patterns and designs to suit theindividual user's taste and preference.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, theinterchangeable panels 1000 can be used as a changing pad. Twointerchangeable panels can be removably attached to each other withoutthe neck band 2000 to provide a larger changing pad.

The invention, having been described, it will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art that the same may be varied in many ways withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. Any and all suchmodifications are intended to be included within the scope of thefollowing claims.

1. A portable burp cloth pouch, comprising: first and second panels,each panel being elongated rectangular in shape with two long sides andtwo short sides; a neck band having first and second ends to removablyconnect the first and second panels, the first end of the neck bandbeing fixedly connected to the one of long sides of the first panel; apair of mated connectors to removably connect the second end of the neckband to one of the long sides of the second panel to form a burp cloth;and a pocket on a back side of at least one of the panels for storingthe first and second panels of the burp cloth to convert the burp clothinto a portable burp cloth pouch.
 2. The portable burp cloth pouch ofclaim 1, wherein the neck band removably connects to the portable burpcloth pouch to form a handle.
 3. The portable burp cloth pouch of claim1, wherein said each panel comprises a neck cut out at one of its longsides and wherein the neck band connects to the long side of each panelwith the neck cut out.
 4. The portable burp cloth pouch of claim 1,wherein the pair of mated connectors is one of the following: snaps,fasteners, buttons, hooks, or hook and loop strip.
 5. The portable burpcloth pouch of claim 1, wherein the pair of mated connectors is a hookand loop strip to removably connect the second end of the neck band tothe second panel; wherein one of the hook or loop strip is fixedlyattached to the second end of the neck band and other hook or loop stripis fixedly attached to the back side of the second panel; and whereinthe other hook or loop strip on the back side of the second panel islonger than the hook or loop strip on the neck band to adjust size of aneck opening to accommodate varying bodily dimensions of differentusers, thereby providing the portable burp cloth pouch with anadjustable neck opening.
 6. The portable burp cloth pouch of claim 1,wherein the pair of mated connectors is a hook and loop strip toremovably connect the second end of the neck band to the second panel;wherein one of hook or loop strip is fixedly attached to the second endof the neck band and other hook or loop strip is fixedly attached to theback side of the second panel; and wherein the other hook or loop stripon the back side of the second panel is longer than the hook or loopstrip on the neck band to adjust size of a front portion of the burpcloth to accommodate varying bodily dimensions of different users,thereby providing the portable burp cloth pouch with adjustable panels.7. The portable burp cloth pouch of claim 1, wherein said each panel ofthe burp cloth comprises multi-layers with at least one layer of sturdyleak proof material.
 8. The portable burp cloth pouch of claim 7,wherein said each panel of the burp cloth comprises a first layer offabric and a second layer of polyurethane laminate.
 9. The portable burpcloth of claim 1, wherein said each panel of the burp cloth comprisescontoured sides.
 10. The portable burp cloth of claim 1, wherein eachpanel is a colored panel or contains logos, patterns or designs.
 11. Theportable burp cloth of claim 1, wherein the pocket on the back side ofsaid at least one of the panels is operable to store one or more items.12. A portable burp cloth pouch, comprising: first and second panels,each panel being elongated rectangular in shape with two long sides andtwo short sides; a neck band having first and second ends to removablyconnect the first and second panels; a first pair of mated connectors toremovably connect the first end of the neck band to one of the longsides of the first panel; a second pair of mated connectors to removablyconnect the second end of the neck band to one of the long sides of thesecond panel to form a burp cloth; and a pocket on a back side of one ofthe panels for storing the first and second panels of the burp cloth toconvert the burp cloth into a portable burp cloth pouch.
 13. Theportable burp cloth pouch of claim 12, wherein said each panel comprisesa neck cut out at one of its long sides and wherein the neck bandconnects to the long side of each panel with the neck cut out.
 14. Theportable burp cloth pouch of claim 12, wherein the pair of matedconnectors is one of the following: snaps, fasteners, buttons, hooks, orhook and loop strip.
 15. The portable burp cloth pouch of claim 12,wherein the first end of the neck band comprises a plurality of matedconnectors; and wherein a size of a neck opening is adjustable toaccommodate varying bodily dimensions of different users by mating theconnector on the first panel to a connector on the first end of the neckband closer to a middle of the neck band to shorten the neck opening orto a connector on the first end of the neck band farther from the middleof the neck band to widen the neck opening, thereby providing theportable burp cloth pouch with an adjustable neck opening.
 16. Theportable burp cloth pouch of claim 15, wherein the second end of theneck band comprises a plurality of mated connectors; and wherein thesize of a neck opening is adjusted by mating the connector on the secondpanel to a connector on the second end of the neck band closer to themiddle of the neck band to shorten the neck opening or to a connector onthe second end of the neck band farther from the middle of the neck bandto widen the neck opening, thereby providing the portable burp clothpouch with the adjustable neck opening.
 17. The portable burp clothpouch of claim 12, wherein each panel comprises a plurality of matedconnectors; and wherein a size of a front portion of the burp cloth isadjustable to accommodate varying bodily dimensions of different usersby mating the connectors on the first and second ends of the neck bandrespectively to connectors on the first and second panels closer to afront end of the panels to decrease the front end portion of the burpcloth, or respectively to connectors on the first and second panelscloser to a back end of the panels to increase the front end portion ofthe burp cloth, thereby providing the portable burp cloth pouch withadjustable panels.
 18. The portable burp cloth pouch of claim 12,wherein said each panel of the burp cloth comprises multi-layers with atleast one layer of sturdy leak proof material.
 19. The portable burpcloth pouch of claim 18, wherein said each panel of the burp clothcomprises a first layer of fabric and a second layer of polyurethanelaminate.
 20. The portable burp cloth of claim 12, wherein said eachpanel of the burp cloth comprises contoured sides.